Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Nicknamed "Snake Island", Ilha de Queimada Grande is off limits to the public, enforced by the Brazilian navy, and is the only habitat of Bothrops insularis, one of the world's deadliest snakes.

The snake's venom is capable of dissolving human flesh, and untreated the mortality rate is 7%, and even with treatment it remains at 3%. To add to that, there are claims that there is one snake per square meter on the island, while locals believe that there may be five snakes to every square meter.

Occasional visits by scientists are the only contact the Brazilian navy allows, but it is expected that the island is visited by poachers, who catch the vipers which are valued at $30,000 on the black market.

Before the island was declared off limits, there were stories told about the deadly predators. One, details the death of a fisherman who lost power in the engine of his boat. After he drifted to the island he ventured inland, unaware of the dangers. He was later found in a pool of his own blood, covered in snake bites.

There used to be a lighthouse on the island, where the keeper lived with his family. The snakes managed to enter the structure by crawling through the windows, and the family ran in panic. Eventually their bodies were found scattered across the island.

These vipers are marked as an endangered species because of genetic inbreeding and susceptibility to wildfires, which could destroy their entire home.

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for DECEMBER 2016
Universal: End to Child-Soldiers: That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.
Evangelization: Europe: That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.

Comments

In the United States, global climate change is a hot topic. Particularly among Catholics who tend to be politically conservative. American political conservatives don't usually accept the science on global warming. The problem? The Catholic Church does accept the ... continue reading

The Green Pope, Pope Benedict XVI, is known for his conservation and call for carbon-neutral states - but too few have listened and the world may suffer deadly consequences. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Pope Benedict XVI warned the world of the dangers that come ... continue reading

What is happening at Standing Rock, and what is the Catholic Church's viewpoint on the protests? Americans appear to be taking sides on the issue, but where's the guidance for Catholics? Can we be neutral about it? LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- "Native ... continue reading

Arctic sea ice has set a new record low for November. At a time when the ice should be growing, it appears to have plateaued for a moment, and is growing much less rapidly than normal. LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Arctic sea ice has set a new record low for ... continue reading

California residents have been caught in a five-year drought, which has deeply impacted the nation's largest production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - During a <a ... continue reading

One of the deadliest disasters in British history occurred on December 5th, 1952, when a mysterious veil of fog settled over London. LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - No one gave the fog much thought at first.Fog is a regular occurrence in London, after all.[media ... continue reading

Did Catholic Online predict the supermoon double quake in New Zealand? On Nov. 4, we reported that a major quake was possible on or around Nov. 14. To be fair, we were far from certain, but the eerily accurate prediction may cause some to take notice of the influence ... continue reading

It may be the saddest dinosaur fossil ever discovered, a birdlike creature that suffered a slow, agonizing death, stuck in mud. But it may also be one of the greatest fossil finds in recent history, giving scientists a glimpse into evolutionary history and the ... continue reading

Giant snowballs have appeared on the beach in Siberia and they mean bad news for Americans. Do the Russians have a secret weapon in a possible war against the West? LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - A beach in Siberia is covered with massive snowballs and it is ... continue reading

On the night of Nov. 14, you will have the chance to see an amazing sight. On that day, the Moon will pass closer to Earth than it has in nearly 70 years. LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - The closest supermoon of the past 70 years is this November 14. On that ... continue reading

Catholic Life

A special message from Catholic Online

If you can afford to give $25, you can help our new Catholic Online School fulfill it's mission to deliver a free world-class Catholic education for anyone, anywhere.

If you can afford to give $25, you can help our new Catholic Online School fulfill it's mission to deliver a free world-class Catholic education for anyone, anywhere.

By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich traditions of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally in our complex modern world.

We rely on support from people like you to sponsor Catholic education worldwide.